Pros
Exceptionally well funded legal service. A unique opportunity for lawyers to work alongside other disciplines to provide holistic support for clients. Most service delivery staff are very supportive and passionate professionals, which creates a great environment to be a part of.
Kontras
Despite the exceptional funding, there are many issues within the organisation. This is apparent quite early into starting a role as minimal guidance and practical support is offered upon commencing a lawyer role. This can be very overwhelming given the nature of practice. I believe that the majority of issues within the organisation lay with management and executive. The people at the top seem disconnected from the service delivery, and the survivors. This is evident in decision making. I do not think most of the executive understand the operations of service delivery on a day to day basis which is why they continually implement illogical and impractical changes that adversely impact both clients and staff. As a junior employee, it felt like promotions and hiring were based around who will conform to the status quo as opposed to who is best deserved and/or bringing in external experienced people with fresh perspectives. Most challenging to observe was the managers and executives poor management of complaints. Colleagues reported experiencing discrimination from other staff, but there were no consequences for the perpetrators and no follow up support for the impacted staff. This creates an unsafe environment for staff. During my time at Knowmore I raised many issues on numerous occasions, but never saw tangible responses or outcomes. Just box ticking exercises. Often my complaints were dismissed in a way which had me questioning my own first hand experiences. Disappointing given the very nature of Knowmore s legal practice.